Izh Planet 3: Technical characteristics and photos with the new stroller

In 1971, simultaneously with the Jupiter-3 model, the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant launched the slightly cheaper Izh Planeta-3 motorcycle into series. Unified in most parts, it was distinguished by an engine that had only one cylinder.

This design of the power unit, which had a return-loop purge circuit, was tested on the previous Planet-2 model. The designers tried to simplify the maintenance and repair of equipment by making the engine crankshaft dismountable and providing for the possibility of repairing the gearbox without dismantling the unit.

Specifications

The Izh Planet 3 motorcycle is a typical product of its time, inexpensive, widespread and accessible . The relatively low reliability was compensated by its low cost, and many motorcycle tourists conquered the vast expanses of the Soviet Union on this bike.

Engine

The single-cylinder engine with a volume of 347 cc is capable of accelerating the bike without a sidecar to 110 kilometers per hour . With a side trailer, the maximum speed is limited to 80 km/h . There is no fuel pump, so the engine enters the combustion chambers by gravity.

Transmission

In Izh Planet 3, Soviet designers introduced a 4-speed gearbox, previously used on previous models of the line, but in a modified form. The scheme is standard - 1-N-2-3-4 .

Chassis and brakes

The engine and the transmission interlocked with it are installed in an extremely simple tubular steel frame The wheels are spoked, chambered. Suspension without adjustments - telescopic fork at the front and spring-oil shock absorbers at the rear. The brakes are archaic, drum design . From a technical point of view, everything is very simple, and therefore repairable.

Electronics

The on-board system is designed for 6 volts ; the transition to 12V was made later, in the Izh p4 model. The bike has a minimum of electronics - a switch, a generator, a battery (capacity up to 18 Ah), a kickstarter. An electric starter is not provided by the design. Moreover, it was the Izh P3 that became one of the first Soviet motorcycles equipped with turn signals.

Weight and dimensions

According to the Soviet classification, Izh p3 belonged to medium-sized motorcycles. Weight without a side trailer is about 165 kg , with a stroller this parameter increases significantly. Such weight and size characteristics are characteristic of all motor vehicles produced in the USSR of that era.

Controllability

The simplest tubular frame and primitive suspension do not contribute to good handling. And on a bike with a sidecar, it’s better to forget about sharp maneuvers altogether, so as not to tip over in a turn.

Fuel consumption

The stated figure is no more than 5 liters when driving on the highway at any speed. In practice, it ranges from 4 to 6 liters , and often depends on the technical condition of a particular instance. But an 18-liter is enough in any case.

The difference between Jupiter IZH-4 and its predecessor, IZH Yu3

Actually, the “fourth” is considered the most successful and reliable among the Jupiter generation.
It differs from its predecessor, IZH Jupiter-3, in having a more powerful power unit (the power of IZH Jupiter-4 is 28 horsepower, while Jupiter-3 produces only 25). Engineers managed to increase engine power due to a new cylinder design. In the new cylinders, the designers provided wider purge windows. Due to this, the maximum crankshaft speed has increased (7800 rpm). But, unfortunately, in the pursuit of money, the plant overlooked the issue of quality and reliability of the design. Years later, IZH Jupiter-4 showed its weaknesses. Namely, the design of the cylinders did not provide for higher strength and reliability. The engine life has been significantly reduced due to the increase in purge windows.

In addition to modernizing the cylinder-piston group, Izhmash specialists provided modern 12-volt electrical equipment for the new Jupiter model. This modernization gave the IZH Yu-4 a brighter light and a more powerful ignition spark compared to the 6-volt previous models.

Repair and tuning

Repairing a motorcycle is not difficult, but before you jump into tuning, you should think hard. Perhaps it's worth restoring an old bike instead of trying to bring it up to modern standards?

Repair

Izh motorcycles have always been famous for their maintainability. The p3 model is no exception to the rule - everything can be repaired in it, and no special tools are required for this.

Spare parts

Thirty-five years after the model was discontinued, there are still no problems with spare parts. Many parts fit from other Izh motorcycles, and the P3 itself has produced more than a million copies, so there are plenty of donors.

Tuning

Many owners reduce tuning Izh p3 to replacing some components with more modern and reliable ones. The donor is often Izh p5, due to the compatibility of the parts and their availability for sale. The standard carburetor, which requires frequent adjustments, is also sometimes replaced with some inexpensive modern analogue.

There is room to turn around

The technology turned out to be not only reliable, but also tenacious. It is found quite often on the roads and in the garages of motorcycle tuning and restoration enthusiasts. When you start tidying up a used motorcycle, remember that the wiring diagram for the Izh Jupiter 3 has been changed several times by the manufacturer.

Finding reliable data is hardly possible anymore. If there is no charging or one of the devices does not work, it is unlikely that it will be possible to find the cause using the description of a model from a different year of manufacture.

If you are going to use the equipment constantly, then since standard equipment operates at a voltage of 6 volts, it makes sense to convert Izh Jupiter 3 to 12 volts. To do this you will have to replace with new ones:

Generator.
Semiconductor rectifier (SRC).
Ignition coil.
Turn relay.
Light bulbs (all).
Battery.

At the same time, it makes sense to install BSZ. Electronic ignition will greatly simplify engine starting in any weather and make its operation more stable. Having done this, you will no longer regularly wonder how to set the ignition correctly.

During the remodeling, you can redesign the Izh Jupiter 3 wiring diagram yourself, or use one of the options posted on the Internet. But before you get down to business, keep in mind that it is very difficult to perform high-quality tuning with your own hands.

You will need special tools and a variety of skills. There are many options for upgrading the Izh Jupiter 3, but they are all designed for people who are technically savvy.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Hl3_BhJVnFY

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Motorcycle modifications

Izh Planet 3 (1971-1977) . The very first version.
Izh Planet 3-01 (1977-1981) . It features different rear shock absorbers (now it is possible to adjust the pretension). The engine was modified (power increased by 2 hp), a new K62I carburetor was installed. Other changes include new mufflers and a taillight.
Izh Planet 3-02 (1981-1985) . The gas tank, mud guards, seat and steering controls have been updated. All this was borrowed from Planet-4, which was already being produced in parallel at that time.

Model "IZH Planeta-3-02"

In 1981, with the light hand of Izhmash designers, a modernized motorcycle model rolled off the production lines. This time the innovations affected:

carburetor: one horsepower was added;
A new fuel tank was developed and installed on the motorcycle, which was subsequently transferred to the subsequent model of the IZH motorcycle, which was called “Planet-4”.

Over four years, more than 210 thousand motorcycles of this modification were produced.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is unfair to evaluate Izh p3 by modern standards. Its development took place almost half a century ago, and the bike was completely consistent with its time.

Advantages

Easily removable wheels with tangential spokes. If necessary, they can be easily dismantled and put back.
Spacious 18-liter gas tank . The range without refueling during quiet driving on the highway reaches 350 km/h.
Maintainability . There is nothing on this bike that can't be fixed.
Possibility to install a stroller.

Flaws

2-stroke engine . Its lifespan is short, and you need to fill the gas tank with oil at every gas station.
Mechanical drum brakes . They are ineffective even taking into account the sluggish acceleration dynamics.
The advanced age of all specimens. Finding Izh Planet 3 in a “living” state is becoming more and more difficult every year.

Notes

↑ 123
[www.zr.ru/archive/zr/1986/10/spravochnaia-sluzhba#8 How many and what kind of Izhas?] // “Behind the Wheel”: magazine. - 1986. - No. 10. - P. 8.
B. F. Demchenko, G. S. Mikryukov.
Motorcycles with the Izh brand. - Moscow: DOSAAF USSR, 1982. - 160 p.
V. Vakin
[www.zr.ru/archive/zr/1978/11/sovietskaia-tiekhnika#3 More comfortable, more powerful, safer] // “Behind the Wheel”: magazine. - 1978. - No. 11. - P. 3.

Owner reviews

As a child, I drove a P3 around the village, although at the time I thought it was a P4, I only found out later. There were no documents)) It was the first moto in my life, I rode well, Voskhody and Minsk could not keep up. Dmitry, Zheleznogorsk.

Because of nostalgic memories, in 2016 I bought the third Planet for restoration, for 20k, with documents. In a few years of leisurely work, I did everything, sandblasted the frame, repainted everything, threw out the entire collective farm and replaced everything with the original. Now the only new carburetor is a Japanese one instead of the original one, but there are plans to change it too. For me this is a weekend bike, ride on a warm evening and remember your youth. Gregory, Lyubertsy.

The moth is tenacious and will survive a nuclear war if necessary. It can be repaired with a file and a hammer, many spare parts are suitable for u3, u5 and p5. If you need timeless equipment that will always run, and there is no fear of getting your hands dirty, this is an excellent option. Anatoly, Kursk.

An amateur astronomer from South Africa spotted a new convective storm on Jupiter

Clyde's spot in the center of the image NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill
Amateur astronomer Clyde Foster from South Africa discovered a methane-rich convective storm on Jupiter. Coincidentally, two days later, Juno made its 27th planned flyby nearby, providing a detailed image of Clyde's spot, NASA said on its website.

The Juno probe explores the atmosphere and magnetosphere of Jupiter, and also collects information about the internal structure of the gas giant. The automatic interplanetary station launched from Earth in August 2011 and reached Jupiter only by mid-2022. It was initially planned that the device would operate until 2022, but then the mission was extended until 2022. Read more about the goals of the mission in our material “Juno, give me strength!”, and on the NASA thematic portal you can see the regularly updated gallery of the JunoCam camera installed on board the probe.

Clyde Foster of the Astronomical Society of South Africa observed Jupiter early on the morning of May 31 through a telescope equipped with a narrow-band methane filter. It is noteworthy that the new spot was not seen by astronomers from Australia, who were observing Jupiter a few hours earlier.

Juno's flyby path is shown on the right.

Clyde Foster/ASSA

The discovery was confirmed by chance thanks to the Juno station. The device is in a 53-day orbit and during one flyby it takes several narrow images that together cover a large area - so the spot could have appeared in the images. Kevin M. Gill, an employee of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, processed images taken by the JunoCam camera at different distances from the planet, and Clyde's spot is indeed visible on them.

Clyde's spot in the center of the photo

NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill

The spot is a convective storm, and in general such phenomena are typical for Jupiter at this latitude - Juno recorded a similar spot in February 2022. Juno is expected to fly close to Clyde's spot again at the end of July, and new images will help assess the dynamics of the storm's development.

From the editor

The note erroneously reported that Juno only captured a narrow stripe in one flyby—in fact, there was only one image of the narrow stripe, but the combined images obtained in one flyby covered a very large area. Share

Amateur astronomers often observe Jupiter and sometimes help to record events that were not captured by observatory lenses. In August 2022, for example, a large asteroid crashed into Jupiter - the flash was accidentally filmed by amateur astronomer Ethan Chappell, who lives in Texas.

Nikolay Vorontsov

FAQ

Approximately how many P3 units were produced? Even the exact number is known - 1,095,439 copies of all modifications combined.
Can you put any gasoline in it? Yes, any, even AI-76, if you find it. But do not forget to mix it with oil in a ratio of 25 to 1.
Is it worth bothering with restoration? I have one of these in my garage. Depends on your goals and capabilities. You can bring the bike to perfection, but some original spare parts will cost a pretty penny.

Fuel

Here the advantages of Planet-3 and Jupiter-3 are undeniable. They run on relatively cheap and most common gasolines - A-72 and A-76. The YAVA-634-8 and ChZ-472 engines are characterized by a high compression ratio (9.2), and this, as operating experience has shown, allows normal driving only on AI-93 benzine. A-76 gasoline, if the compression ratio is not reduced, can cause dangerous detonation.

All these motorcycles are quite unpretentious when it comes to fuel mixture oil: auto motors, as well as AC-8 and AC-10, diesel and aviation ones are suitable. For Jawa and CZ, the ratio of gasoline to oil in the mixture is 30: 1 (for IZHSY it is 25: 1), which somewhat reduces the exhaust smoke. This became possible due to the fact that the upper heads of the connecting rod have needle bearings instead of traditional bushings, which require more abundant lubrication.

The Planet-Sport engine with a compression ratio of 10.5 runs normally on AI-93 and A-95 gasoline and requires MS-20 oil. Costs for fuels and lubricants are the highest here. The Planet-Sport modification with separate lubrication consumes relatively little oil. But for now, unfortunately, you can’t buy the MS-20 everywhere. Crew part

All motorcycles have closed frames welded from pipes. The frames of all IZH and CZ are single, bifurcated under the engine, YAVY-634-8 is duplex.

Single frames of road IZhs are distinguished by high rigidity, since they are made of large cross-section pipes. This partly explains the substantial weight of Planet-3 and Jupiter-3. The Planet-Sport frame is very light, made of high-quality steel, thermally treated, and has high elasticity. It cannot be modified, cooked, etc.

The CZ-472 is designed for use as a solo motorcycle. Therefore, it also has a lightweight frame.

The YAVA-634-8 frame has become significantly heavier than the traditional, single frame that previous models had. But, according to the plant, the torsional rigidity of the new frame is more than 10 times greater than the old one! Therefore, it is good for operating a machine with a side trailer.

The wheels of all motorcycles (except for the front one on Planet-Sport with a tire size of 3.0-19 inches) have 18-inch rims. On Planet-3 and Jupiter-3, the front and rear wheels are equipped with the same tires - 3.5-18 inches in size and are completely interchangeable. Of course, this is convenient and beneficial for the consumer, but the stability and controllability of the motorcycle suffer to a certain extent. Therefore, on faster cars - Planete-Sport, YAVE, ChZ - the front tire is narrower than the rear.

All motorcycles have drum brakes, the same front and rear, only the Planet-Sport has a larger brake drum on the front wheel than on the rear (190 and 170 mm, respectively). On Czechoslovakian motorcycles, the front wheel brake is equipped with a two-cam pad drive - here both pads are active, which increases efficiency by about 25%.

All five motorcycles have a chain-driven rear wheel. This is the simplest and cheapest type of transmission. Its reliability and durability are largely determined by how it is protected from dust and dirt. A well-protected chain of road IZHs is quite durable, and the open target of the “Planet-sport” serves much less. One of the best protection designs on the YAVE-634-8 is an almost sealed system of rubber and metal casings filled with graphite lubricant. The CZ-472 chain guard is similar to those on previous JAVA models. Although it is not very airtight, it is more durable than rubber.

The front forks of all motorcycles are telescopic with hydraulic shock absorbers. The largest stroke (about 160 mm) is for the Planet-Sport, the smallest (127 mm) for the CZ. "Sport" has the most advanced fork.

The gas tanks of road IZhs are the largest, with a capacity of over 18 liters, which is very significant for places where there are few gas stations. The JAVA tank holds 16.2 liters, Planet-Sport - 14, CZ - 13 liters.

Conclusion

The Izh Planet 3 motorcycle is of interest only to collectors. Due to the outdated design and considerable age of all copies, it is possible to use this model as everyday transport, but this will be associated with a number of inconveniences. But bringing the bike to collectible condition and riding it on weekends is a great idea .

Specifications

Maximum engine power:	18 hp at 5,000-5,600 rpm HP
Working volume:	346 cm3
Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes):
Number of valves:
Intake type (Injector / Carburetor):
Bore and stroke:
Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter):
Maximum speed in km/h:	110 km/h
Cooling system:	Air
Transmission (gearbox):	Mechanical 4-speed
Clutch (Dry / Wet):
Drive unit:	Chain
Frame:	Tubular, welded
Chassis
Suspension (front/rear travel):
Brakes (Front/Rear):
Wheels / Tires / Rubber:
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions (Length / Width):
Seat height:
Ground clearance:
Curb weight:
Wheelbase:	1400 mm
Weight:	168 kg
Fuel tank capacity:	18 l.
Battery capacity:
Year of release:
Country of Origin:

Familiar problems

Reviews from owners indicate that, regardless of the version and year of manufacture, the Izh Planet-3 motorcycle had the same disadvantages:

Engine vibration associated with its design features. Almost all single-cylinder engines suffer from this.
Problematic electrical equipment. Almost identical to the Jupiter of the same years of production, the 6-volt wiring installed on Izh Planet-3 was not of very high quality. An insufficiently powerful generator created problems when driving at night.

Completely eliminating engine vibrations is almost impossible. Even serious engine tuning does not completely solve the problem. You have to put up with this feature of technology. As for electrics, motorcycle lovers who are interested in tuning Izh Planet-3 often ask the same questions:

How to detect ignition system malfunctions?
What to do if charging is lost?
How to replace the relay regulator?
Does it make sense to install electronic ignition?
How to replace a failed generator?
Where can I find the wiring diagram for Izh Planet-3 at 6 volts?
How to install BSZ?

These questions are countless and it is simply impossible to answer them in one review article. This requires digging deeper. And therefore we will try to answer as briefly as possible.

Since the wiring diagram on Izh Planet-3 was repeatedly changed even depending on individual series, one cannot count on an exact match of its description. Sad but true.
Replacing electrical wiring, switching electrical equipment operating from 6 volts to 12 volts and installing contactless ignition are completely justified steps to improve the performance of a motorcycle. After such modernization, ignition installation is simplified, and engine operation becomes more stable. At the same time, you will know exactly how the electrical circuit of your Izh Planet-3 works!

But it’s clearly not worth getting down to business without the necessary skills or suitable tools. As for DIY tuning enthusiasts, for them the Izh Planeta-3 motorcycle is an unplowed field for activity. There is room to expand here. Go for it!

If you found the article useful and interesting, continue to expand your horizons by getting acquainted with the history and structure of popular technology. Find out what might be interesting about tuning Izh Jupiter-5, or what technical characteristics the Ant cargo scooter had. Stay on our website!

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Electrical equipment

All five cars have battery ignition. The presence of a battery improves the operation of the motorcycle - checking and adjusting the ignition system, provides the ability to operate at extremely low idle speeds, and increases the safety of night trips.

The voltage in the electrical system of all (except Planet-Sport) motorcycles is 6 V, the generators are DC. The power of road IZh generators is 45 W, Jawa and CZ generators are 75 W. Returning to the question of the machine’s adaptability to certain conditions, we note: the new Czechoslovak generator largely does not meet the requirements of rural motorists. We have already written about this (1977, No. 4) and will repeat: at a speed below 40 km/h in fourth gear, it cannot ensure the operation of electrical equipment, and therefore the battery is discharged quickly, especially at night. On these high-speed cars, if road conditions do not allow driving faster than 45-50 km/h, you should engage third gear at night, no matter how upsetting it may be. Otherwise, the owners of YAVA-634 have only one choice - installing the previous 45 W generator, which allows you to move at lower speeds. The lighting technology of Planet-3 and Jupiter-3 leaves much to be desired

Their headlights do not illuminate the road well, and the installation of other, stronger ones is not allowed by the low power of the generator

The sound signal from Planet-Sport, Jawa and CZ is powerful and quite loud. When you can hardly hear the Jupiter signal, it becomes annoying: why, in fact, was it installed? It’s high time to equip modest road-going ILs with high-quality electrical appliances.

In conclusion, let's draw some conclusions. If a motorist wants to have a relatively cheap, fairly reliable car, most suitable for operation away from large cities and service stations, it is advisable for him to opt for the Izhevsk “Planet-3” or “Jupiter-3”.

The Echoslovakian motorcycles JAVA-634-8 and CZ-472 are also quite reliable, durable, very comfortable, but require a more delicate handling and are therefore less suitable for rural areas.

There is a strong opinion about IZH-Planet-Sport: this is a road motorcycle for a highly qualified, thoughtful driver who values agility and speed, knows how to use them, competently maintain the car and is able to repair it independently.

1977N10P14-16

Approximate cost

Although the production of Jupiter 3 has long been completed, it can still be purchased, but only on the secondary market and often already somewhat altered.

Additionally, it can be noted that this motorcycle can serve as a good start for lovers of modifications and tuning .

This motorcycle is very cheap; it is offered on the secondary market at prices ranging from 7 to 19 thousand rubles.

Despite the rather advanced age of the Kawasaki GPZ 900 R, it is a cult superbike with a huge number of admirers and fans, which speaks of its quality and unique characteristics.
Now, if this motorcycle is properly equipped with an aerodynamic body kit, you can try to overcome the 200 km/h mark.